Leeds Oliver Awards 2026: Time running out to nominate for the Yorkshire Evening Post's food and drink awards
Time is running out to nominate your hospitality heroes as the deadline looms for entries to this year’s Yorkshire Evening Post Oliver Awards.
The awards, now in their 17th year, is a chance to crown our best restaurants, pubs, bars, hotels, chefs and celebrate their contribution to making Leeds such a vibrant dining scene.
And the closing date for nominations is looming on February 2.
The news comes as the YEP can reveal that on this year’s judging panel will be Adam Degg, the chef behind Fifty Two at Rudding Park.
He said: “ Hospitality is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others, our industry thrives on collaboration, generosity, and shared standards of excellence.
“It’s a genuine honour to be part of the 2026 Oliver Awards judging panel and to help celebrate the talent, hard work, and creativity that make this industry so special.”
There are 17 awards in total including our new awards Best In Glass, Unsung Hero, Community Impact Award and Best Social Media.
There will also be a return of our staple classics including Best Chef, Best Bar/Pub, Best Deli/Cafe, Best Street Food/Pop-up and our Outstanding Contribution prize.
Publisher Laura Collins said: “We’ve already received some fantastic entries but time is running out.
“We want to make sure we can shine the spotlight on those who make Leeds such a vibrant place to enjoy our thriving food and drink scene.
“From unsung heroes to best chefs, we want to celebrate the best of our city and we need you to tell us who is deserving of the top prizes.”
For more details and to enter the awards visit the new Oliver Awards website.
It will culminate in a swanky award ceremony in Leeds on March 16.
PPS, LHVA and Chef Works have already been confirmed as sponsors of the event.
Christie & Co is the market leading specialist property adviser in the UK and Europe for advising on, buying, selling and providing valuations on pub and restaurant businesses has also been confirmed as a sponsor the event.
How to enter the Oliver Awards 2026
Any business with an LS postcode, and/or in the Leeds City Council district, can enter the 2026 awards. You can find out more about the criteria for each category and submit your entries on the Oliver Awards website.
Businesses can enter up to three categories each, and judges will be looking for detailed entries that match the category description. Judging will begin once nominations close on February 2 2026.